I ramble a bit for some reason . . . I think I was hungry.

But basically, try to ask yourself this question: "Why do I feel like my English isn't good enough?"

Remember that when you are in challenging and uncomfortable situations, that's your opportunity to improve.

At a certain point you have to take that (uncomfortable) next step and put yourself out there. And if you do that, you will (probably . . . hopefully!) find yourself improving out of necessity. Otherwise, you can always put it off until the future . . . and then that day may never come.

Summary and transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TVc5vz_AgKuAImxIE8EE4SCCBFm8N7VUy2nJyB3GS10/edit?usp=sharing

In this special video episode I talk about my experience using ChatGPT to help me communicate while on "vacation" in Japan. Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QdKu4ElHDbpsazHoyXpnnfsvuYtNO7z3kwWyKdwElJg/edit?usp=sharing ChatGPT conversation history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17UsT5sOFPmM1ha_MJcsGV2DaQ8nSQxo27b4YGE50TuA/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I talk about the value of preparing before entering a situation. I use my upcoming trip to Japan as an example of how language learners can use AI to not only help them learn what to say but also use it as a learning opportunity.

Full Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ChIaHEniimmNgIfeMki7kbXAM5FQZvkF7FZG7rByL8/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I (attempt to) give an overall impression of the history of the English language. Immigration, invasion, and trade all influence the development of English.

I also talk about why spelling seems so chaotic and random and I give my thoughts on the issue of standardized grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

It's important to also look at the history of your own language and learn about how it has changed over time. I think you'll find that even one or two hundred years ago the language was quite different.

Here is the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mhEXu57eNuDBer7OpqTlye4V8NoQ4ACqBtcTwRCdP9Y/edit?usp=sharing

Episode notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cfPKU49X26uqCVZPMqXFqm6Da2q4EL2grym0wNfJ4RA/edit?usp=sharing

Some videos you might be interested in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEaSxhcns7Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSSTv8-2358

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsvOWRlu7_s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42D-upSioWE

This is a special video episode. Check out the YouTube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p350cCpGb-8

Full transcript and chat history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mwm1rQWzKa8xtlqW6jyNXw4BR_4RroCfFMbYmvSkY60/edit?usp=sharing

Just a quick, somewhat incoherent ramble about what it means to be "proficient" in a language.

Somebody pay my rent and vent bills so I don't have to work so much, and then I can make longer podcasts :-D

Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sa46ivYg2BFH7l1vvcBhClTz0OEuKf3fRP9-FkK-o5g/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I talk about a couple things: note taking and audio in the background.

Make sure to take notes, and don't forget to review them!

Play podcasts or radio program in the background, even if you don't understand everything.

Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B05oc9nfZSID6fpY5pIdZV3QQWtGlS5dR6CYXiXMPLQ/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I try very hard to keep it under 30 minutes. The original goal was 15 minutes, but it went nearly 20 minutes, but . . . there you have it.

My main message in this rant is to make sure you have an activity or goal that requires English. I use my experience playing Japanese-language video games as an example. The only way I could fully enjoy or progress in text-heavy role playing games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest was to improve my Japanese reading ability. Even when I was younger, at a time when I wasn't actively studying Japanese, I recognized that I need to learn a lot more vocabulary in order to play these video games.

As always, make sure your language-learning efforts are based on real-life contexts. After all, language is a tool for communication, not just some subject you study and do worksheets about.

Full transcript available: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bGHDiJbT-7bP8otWn5e1VqiAfqj7_Lv9pNcvK34kWx8/edit?usp=sharing

In this video episode I'll share my thoughts on how to use ChatGPT for language learning.

Check out the full video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7M_9R3a__g

Full transcript available: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uZJmZcgLqNcDiArXDX37Man8l6123oaeeBBMYdWMjTk/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I share my thoughts on and experience with the concept of "one word at a time." First, I talk about author Stephen King's two answers to the question "How do you write your books?" Here's an interview where he talks about something similar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR7XMkjDGw0

Then, I get into how this relates to language learning, including my own experience learning Japanese while living in the US and in Japan.

I also talk about how this principle of "one word at a time" guides my writing.

Finally, I tell you that your smartphone is (probably) preventing you from reaching your language learning goals. Instead of taking your phone into the bathroom, bring your notebook from class!

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fH2ydsaNRI--6gnPIhex3OPPjiY68ak-IoC18Dd3WJk/edit?usp=sharing